Fiat unveils a juiced-up 135hp Abarth performance version of its 500 towncar

February 21, 2008 51 years ago, the Fiat 500 was first launched. A rear-engined mimic of the hugely popular Volkswagen Beetle, the 500 was one of a small stable of cars designed to be perfect for city driving. Small, economical, practical, fun and manoeverable, it struck a chord with European drivers, selling nearly 4 million units and surviving until 1977 when it was replaced by the far less popular Fiat 126.

After the recent success of Volkswagen's reinvented upper-class Beetle and the retro Mini Cooper, Fiat chose to announce the relaunch of its quintessential towncar again in 2007 with retro looks but a focus on practicality, safety, fun and economy rather than the upmarket style of the Beetle and Mini.

Loz has been one of Gizmag's most versatile contributors since 2007. Joining the team as a motorcycle specialist, he has since covered everything from medical and military technology to aeronautics, music gear and historical artefacts. Since 2010 he's branched out into photography, video and audio production, and he remains the only Gizmag contributor willing to put his name to a sex toy review. A singer by night, he's often on the road with his a cappella band Suade. All articles by Loz BlainFollow @loz_blain